CHRIST VISION FOR KINGDOM GROWTH

I. JESUS’ MINISTRY AN EXAMPLE FOR KINGDOM GROWTH V. 35

Four essentials in Jesus’ ministry of examples for kingdom growth.

A. Going is Essential for Kingdom Growth. (Going a continuing process.)

B. Teaching is Essential for Kingdom Growth

C. Proclaiming is Essential for Kingdom Growth

D. Healing was Essential for Jesus’ Kingdom Growth

Jesus’ ministries of teaching and preaching were verified as divine and true by the display of supernatural power in His ministry of miracles, manifested especially through healing. Those three activities summarize the public ministry of our Lord.

MacArthur, John F., Jr. Matthew. Vol. 2. Chicago: Moody Press, 1985. Print. MacArthur New Testament Commentary.

“to another faith by the same Spirit, and to another gifts of healings by the one Spirit,” (1 Corinthians 12:9, NASB95)

II. JESUS’ EMOTIONS OF CARING FOR THE PEOPLE’S CIRCUMSTANCE AND SPIRITUAL CONDITION. V. 36

A. To Care for Someone’s Emotional and Spiritual Condition You Must See Them

Note: The word people in the NASB is correctly “crowd.”

1. The people’s circumstances had cause distress. This word could also be harassed. In Jesus’ day the people’s distress came from the Romans, kings, Sadducee, Pharisees, Sanhedrins, tax collectors, and priest. (Matthew & Zacchaeus) Remember 80% of the Jewish people were of the common people.

2. The people were dispirited, thrown down. Their spirits were low.

B. To Care for Someone’s Emotional and Spiritual Condition You Must Minister to them. (Shepherd - Pastor)

We see this metaphor in the Old Testament as well as in the New Testament. (OT Numbers 27:17; 1 Kings 22:17; 2 Chronicles 18:16; Zechariah 10:2)

Jesus is the Good Shepherd, “I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.” (John 10:11, NASB95)

Jesus called Peter to feed and tend His sheep, John 21:15-14-17.

Peter gives the instruction to the Elders of the church, “Therefore, I exhort the elders among you, as your fellow elder and witness of the sufferings of Christ, and a partaker also of the glory that is to be revealed, shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not for sordid gain, but with eagerness; nor yet as lording it over those allotted to your charge, but proving to be examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.” (1 Peter 5:1–4, NASB95)

Transition to verses 37-38, Jesus seeing the need of the people then calls on His disciples to follow His example and instructions in reaching the people. Here He uses an agricultural metaphor. Read verses 37-38.

III. JESUS’ VISION OF THE MAGNITUDE OF THOSE NEEDING A SHEPHERD

A. Those in our county, state, nation and the world who are ready for Jesus’ disciple to reach is massive. V. 37

B. Those who are equipped to teach, proclaim and minister to the sick and hurting are few.

C. Jesus’ Challenge to reach our community, county, state, nation and the world, is to pray.

1. Pray to the Lord of the harvest.

2. For Him to send His disciples.

3. It is His harvest.

CONCLUSION: God is calling the lost to Jesus and we, His disciples are being sent into our communities, counties, states, the nation and the world to teach, proclaim the gospel of the kingdom and minister to the hurting. To accomplish this we must go and we must see and have compassion on the lost world and their need for Jesus. Do we at LBC have Jesus’ vision for reaching the lost world? Are you willing to say here I am, I will go and see and share the good news of Jesus Christ, the Savior to a lost world? If we are, then God will grow His church.

Prayer

Invitation: If you are here this morning or you hear this message my first question to you is, have you received Jesus as your savior? If not, why not? Is God drawing you to His Son Jesus this morning and the Holy Spirit convicting you of sin? Will you surrender all to Him? This morning if you said yes, I will go for Jesus, will you surrender to His guidance as you reach out to those who are lost, hurting to minister to them with the gospel of Jesus. If you have been called to teach or preach will you surrender to His call? However God is speaking to you this morning will you respond to His call?

If you made a decision today and need some help, you call or text me at 864-617-9882 and I will get you some material to help you in your relationship with Jesus.

Benediction: May you be filled with His presence, peace, and power, for He is always Semper Fidelis, He is always faithful. God bless you. Amen